Phase IV

A spectacular and mysterious cosmic event triggers rapid evolution among ants of different species. The ants develop a cross-species hive mind and begin to organize themselves around seven geometrically perfect towers in the Arizona desert.

The ant colony designs and builds seven towers, their geometry precise and unlike anything seen before. The landscape around the desert becomes a stage for this strange, collective ambition.

The local population flees the unnerving ant activity. Scientists James R. Lesko and Ernest D. Hubbs set up a computerized lab inside a sealed dome in an area of intense ant activity in Arizona. They intend to study and counter the evolving threat.

Ants immunize themselves to humans' chemical weapons and infiltrate the lab. Teams of ants penetrate the computer systems and short them out, undermining the lab's defenses as the scientists struggle to respond.

Lesko deciphers an ant message, revealing a level of communication between the colony and the scientists. Kendra Eldridge, a young refugee with the scientists, becomes convinced that her actions have angered the ants, fueling fear and resolve to act.

Kendra leaves the lab to try to warn and save the researchers, risking her own safety. Her departure is framed by the escalating conflict with the ants, and she appears to sacrifice herself in the effort.

Hubbs wants to wipe out the ants' central hive, while Lesko hopes to communicate with them through mathematical messages. Their disagreement foreshadows a split in approach as the danger grows.

Delirious from a venomous ant sting, Hubbs struggles to continue his plan and is drawn toward the hive. He accidentally falls into a deep pit that the ants fill with earth, leaving him trapped and helpless.

With Hubbs incapacitated, Lesko abandons his earlier caution and moves toward the hive with a canister of insecticide. He resolves to strike directly at the ant core to end the threat.

Descending into the hive, Lesko hunts for the queen but instead discovers Kendra reaching out from under the desert sand. The two share a moment of reunion and realization amid the danger.

Lesko realizes, and later voice-overs, that the ants intend to adapt the human race to fit their world. The revelation reframes the conflict from annihilation to symbiotic coexistence, though the exact plans remain uncertain.

In a closing voice-over, Lesko and Kendra acknowledge uncertainty about the ants' plans and prepare to wait for instructions. The story ends with the sense that humans and ants are entering a new interconnected future.